Adam Skirving (1719-1803) was an East Lothian farmer and a noted 'country wit'. He is believed to have written the popular song 'Hey, Johnnie Cope', lines commemorating the defeat of government forces at Prestonpans in 1745 and other songs and ballands.

This is an oil painting on canvas in a gilt wood & plaster frame. The subject is the head and shoulder view of elderly man, possibly Adam Skirving, the father of the artist Archibald Skirving.

Archibald Skirving (1749-1819) was born at Athelstaneford near Haddington. He became a noted painter of miniatures but, after a long stay in Italy (1786-c97), concentrated almost entirely on pastels. Able to command a fee greater than Raeburn in his lifetime, he is best known for a pastel portrait of Robert Burns.